Fall is finally here, and that means it’s time to start getting your home ready for the colder weather. One of the most important things you can do is ensure your HVAC system is in good shape. If you don’t take care of your system, you could end up with high energy bills and a lot of repair work in the winter. The Best AC Repair can always come in handy for regular maintenance. But you can also do it alone. It’s especially true if you are on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together this HVAC maintenance checklist. Follow this maintenance checklist, and your system will be ready for fall.
Replace and Update Your Air Filters
One of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system is to regularly replace or clean your air filters. Depending on your filter type, you should either replace it every few months or clean it once a month.
When it comes to keeping the air filters up to date, remember that you need to do it more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area. If you don’t replace your air filters, they can get clogged with dirt and dust. It can make your system work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills and severe damage.
Get Rid of Any Debris and Leaves Around Your Outdoor Unit
It’s also worth mentioning that the outdoor units also need some love. You should clear any debris or leaves that have accumulated around the unit. Not only will it make your system look nicer, but it will also prevent any potential problems. If you leave the debris and leaves around the unit, they can cause damage to the fan blades. In some cases, it can even lead to a fire. So, it’s definitely something you want to avoid.
Clean the Vents and Ducts
Another must-do on the HVAC maintenance checklist is to clean the vents and ducts. Over time, they can get clogged with dust and dirt. When that happens, your system has to work harder to circulate the air. As a result, it will use more energy and won’t be as effective. You should vacuum the vents and ducts at least once a year. Things will only get worse if you have pets because they shed hair that can quickly clog the vents. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean them more often if you have pets.
Inspect Any Leaks and Fix Them Immediately
You can leave the bigger repairs to the professionals, but there are some things you can do yourself. For example, you can inspect any leaks and fix them immediately. It will only worsen if you don’t address the problem right away. The last thing you want is for your system to break down in the middle of winter. In fact, by only fixing the leaks, you can prolong the life of your system.
As you can see, there are a few things you need to do to get your HVAC system fully prepared and optimized for fall. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult or time-consuming as it sounds. Following this maintenance checklist ensures that your system will run smoothly in all colder months. And if you ever have any problems, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC repair.